🌸 Sakura course around Kurume Castle Ruins and the scenic Chikugo River 🌸
Explore the historical heart of Kurume City in southern Fukuoka with this 9km GPS art course designed to sketch a grand cherry blossom (Sakura). The journey begins at the Kurume Castle Ruins, the former residence of the Arima clan, who ruled the region for over 250 years during the Edo period. Once known as Sasahara Castle, the site still retains its impressive stone walls and inner moats, standing as a testament to the city’s samurai heritage.
During the spring, the castle grounds are transformed into a pale pink sanctuary. The reflection of cherry blossoms in the tranquil waters of the moat is a breathtaking sight that captures the essence of Japanese aesthetics. As you navigate the course, you can stop by Shinoyama Shrine or visit the Arima Memorial Museum to learn about the artifacts and governance of the Kurume domain.
The route takes you through the intellectual hub of the city, passing Kurume University and its prominent hospital. It then leads to the banks of the mighty Chikugo River, specifically Riverside Park Higashikushihara. Here, the wide-open skies and refreshing river breeze provide a perfect atmosphere for outdoor activities. This course offers a unique blend of historical atmosphere, modern academic energy, and natural beauty.
Completing this 9km course will reward you with a digital masterpiece of a blooming cherry blossom on your map, mirroring the real flowers that decorate the castle’s stone fortifications. Whether you are a history buff or a nature lover, this route invites you to discover the multi-layered charm of Kurume while enjoying the warm spring air. Lace up your shoes and let your creativity bloom along the banks of the Chikugo River!
DETAIL (EXTERNAL LINK)
A PIONEER IN GPS ART.
1st work was authorized by Guinness World Records as “the Largest GPS Drawing”.
He is the only Japanese person to be featured in a Google documentary as an innovator. He is fascinated by the idea of drawing with GPS and has published more than 2,500 works.
